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Bale hails team spirit

Gareth Bale praised Wales' overall display as they thumped Norway at the Cardiff City Stadium 4-1.

Last Updated: 12/11/11 7:17pm

Gareth Bale praised Wales' overall display as they thumped Norway at the Cardiff City Stadium 4-1.

The Dragons have now won three games in a row for the first time since 2008 and Gary Speed has made the best start as manager since Mike England, back in 1979.

Gareth Bale's fierce volley broke the deadlock after just 11 minutes and Craig Bellamy doubled the lead just five minutes later with a superb curling effort from the edge of the box, before Erik Huseklepp's fortuitous second-half tap in gave Norway hope. But Wolves' forward Sam Vokes sealed the win with his brace in the dying minutes.

Test

Bale told Sky Sports: "I think we knew that this was going to be one of our biggest tests. We know what Norway are capable of. They're a very organised team and don't really concede too many until tonight. But we always knew it was going to be a difficult test. We've been working hard in training all week and we improving by every game as you can see.

"I think it was important that we got off to a good start and we done that and they're a great team because they made it difficult for us throughout most of the game.

"Towards the end, Sam (Vokes) and got two and sealed the victory and made it a bit more comfortable for us in the end."

And Bale believes there is a good mood around the camp, saying: "There is a great team spirit building and it's good to get a winning mentality under our belts.

"We want to keep on improving and we know there's still a long way to go. I think once we get back together again, we'll still be as strong as ever."

Meanwhile, Vokes was delighted after coming on and scoring a quick-fire double, adding: "Yeah, it was a mad couple of minutes. The boys did well throughout the 90 minutes and it was a great win in the end."